Control Line Memories

[john e. holliday]

As it says.  After Reading Jake Moon's story I got to thinking of all the people I have met or made contact with flying CL and attending contests.  The early years I was mainly racing, combat and carrier with some fun fly events thrown in.  As years went by being sent to telephone schools and having Model Aviation magazine was able to contact people and visit.  But the young lad and ladies that flew back then was who I think about once in a while.   Some went on to flying/specializing in their chosen events and have done great.  Some have just gone with their life.  And as usual some of the older people have gone on to a better eternal place.  I sit here typing this with new eyes and no glasses.  Each day I still break my record and can't thank my GOD enough for the blessings he gives me.  Now I look forward to reaching my 100th birthday.

PS:If there is anybody out there I have offended or up set I hope you will for give me as I will for give those also.

[Dick Byron]

Doc,  That is just as I think too. Wonderful feelings.

[Mark wood]

Yep, me too. I enjoy control line flying and innovation. It's what gets me up every day and I thank god in the morning for the opportunities that will presented to me and in the evening for the ones I have had that day. We are blessed to be here in the company of others whom share our passions.

[Paul Taylor]

Well put Doc.

Everyday is a gift and the breath we breathe is not our own.

Jim Lynch always said we were making memories every time we flew.
Never gave it much thought but sure miss some of my flying buddies.

[Richard Fleming]

Thank you for your true feelings Doc. After catching covid in 2020, I thank God everyday I can get out of bed without being dizzy and falling down. Amazing what happens when the world you thought you knew stops. Count your blessings one by one. My brother and I went flying today with our Ringmasters and a Sterling Hellcat. Something we have done together for the last 40 years. Great memories and making new ones.That feeling never changes.

[Jim Kraft]

  Amen Doc. Every morning I get up and thank God for the free gift of eternal life. Romans 6:23. Then I make coffee. He-brews. Then I thank God for my wife of 65 years who has supported me in my hobbies. Been a modeler since I was 7 years old. And the people we have met who are birds of a feather, the modelers themselves are a blessing to us. At 83 I just am not able physically to fly control line anymore. I sure miss the comradery.

[BillLee]

Jim, there is no reason to miss the comraderie! You don't have to fly to enjoy being with your friends. Go to the field! Sit and talk! Hold a model for them. It's all still there! Don't let our aging stop us from enjoying life!

Bill

[john e. holliday]

Bill, for the old DOC getting to the field is the problem.   Not allowed to drive also no vehicle to drive as gran daughter drove my Suburban to the junk yard.  The family does not want to help me either.   I think I could still fly using an old Ringmaster or Flite Streak  that will do loops an eights.   Use a cane to keep my balance walking even if I am slow.  If I could get doctors to fix my back/left hip joint from sharp pains.  No, all they want to look at is my prostate.  As I remend them they have said it was enlarged for decades.  At my age would cancer beat my time line?  Still have my little princess Luna that wake up to see every day.  Bur GOD has his time line and I know I shouldb't complain.  I do try hard to thank him for all the blessings he lets me have.

By the way have proven that you don't have to turn to fly a stuntable plane.

[FLOYD CARTER]

Hi Doc  There are not very many really good things about getting old.  But when the end is  within sight, a remarkable transformation in thought occurs.  We become aware what life is really about, with serious thoughts about who we are and why we are here.  Some interests and hobbies of the past don't seem very important.

I spend more time in meditation and less time attempting to entertain myself.

I am fortunate to have existed for 90 years, with a life partner who has stayed by me for 67 years. Phyllis and I are both slowing down, but still doing pretty well.

Let's get together for coffee and a chat.  Say, in 2035 ?  Let me know

[john e. holliday]

I look forward to it.  You may have to remind me though.

[Donald R Olson]

Hi Doc, we met last year when you offered to give some of your planes away to those who would like to have them in hopes to foster interest in the hobby. I want to let you know that the Ringmaster, Nobler, and The Doc Special being put to good use. My son and cousin are getting back into the sport and these planes are going to help them to become better flyers than they were before. Both flew 1/2A years ago. With your planes and some help from the guys at the Minneapolis Piston Poppers, and myself we can add 2 more to our sport.

Since we met, I was diagnosed with cancer of the colon, thyroid, and lung. I’ve had 2 surgeries. They removed 14” of my colon and the lower lobe of my right lung. I’m getting Chemo right now and when that is finished in August, I will have my thyroid removed. Thank the good Lord that it was at early stages for all three cancers, and I have a very good chance of beating this. Control line has really helped me through this. It has given me a distraction as well as something to look forward to doing in the future. This kind of thing makes you appreciate family and friends and the everyday stuff.
I wanted to thank you again for your generosity.

[john e. holliday]

Thanks for the update on the planes.  Hopefully the doctors have caught your cancer in time.  You wil be added to the prayer list.  I go in the on the 6-25 for a cat scan on my prostate.  They have told for the last 40 years that it was enlarged.  So far I have been through two scans and no cancer showing up.   I just wish they would fix the sharp pain I get in my left hip every so often.  But you take care and follow doctors orders and keep me updated.